Cairo International Airport (CAI)

Overview

The biggest airport in Egypt and one of the biggest in Africa, Cairo International Airport is the main gateway to the wonders of the ancient pharaohs, with the capacity to serve about 30 million passengers per year.

The facilities at Cairo International Airport are good, especially in Terminal 3, which boasts more than 5,000 square feet of retail space and a food court. The terminals are spread out over two miles (3km) apart, so passengers should allow time for the shuttle ride when transferring.

Cairo is also a busy air traffic hub, with many flights between the east and west connecting in the city. For this reason flights to Cairo airport are available from many cities in North America, Europe, Africa and Asia.

Location

The airport is situated 13.7 miles (22km) from central Cairo.

Getting to the city

There are taxis outside the main arrivals hall; the journey to central Cairo takes around 45 minutes. The Airport Shuttle bus is a convenient way to get from the airport to downtown Cairo and along the Pyramids Road in Giza. Public buses and air-conditioned coaches also leave regularly from Terminal 1.

Time

Local time is GMT + 2.

Contacts

Tel: +(202) 2265 5000.

see full airport guide

---

Luxor International Airport (LXR)

Location

The airport is situated six miles (10km) east of Luxor city.

Getting to the city

The best way to the city is by taxi (journey time 15min), but there is also a regular bus service available, although it is generally very crowded.

Time

Local time is GMT +2.

see full airport guide

---

Borg El Arab International Airport (HBE)

Location

Borg El Arab International Airport is located in Alexandria, about 30 miles (48km) southwest of the city centre.

Getting to the city

There is no public transportation from the airport to Alexandria, though travellers can use the airport bus service of Egypt Bus. The company offers a 24-hour bus service from the airport to Muharram Bek Bus Station, located about 5km south of the centre.

Time

GMT+2

see full airport guide

---

Hurghada Airport (HRG)

Overview

Hurghada International Airport is one of the main gateways (along with Sharm El-Sheikh) to Egypt's popular Red Sea resorts, and handles millions of passengers each year. The airport offers all the basic facilities travellers might expect, as well as a number of duty-free stores and restaurants. It has been modernised and expanded fairly recently.

Location

Hurghada Airport is located seven miles (12km) south of the city of Hurghada El Dahar.

Getting to the city

Taxis are available outside the terminal building but rates should be negotiated before entering the taxi. The journey time to Hurghada El Dahar (downtown) is approximately 20 minutes. Travellers can also find transfers from the airport to town by minivan or bus; minibuses are available outside the airport, leaving once full.

Time

GMT +2

Contacts

Tel: +20 65 341 4213.

see full airport guide

---

Sharm el-Sheikh International Airport (SSH)

Overview

Sharm el-Sheikh Airport is an airport well known by many holidaymakers from across Europe. The airport, also known as Ophira Airport, is the main gateway to Egypt's popular Sharm el-Sheikh and Dahab resorts. A number of charter companies and low-cost carriers offer cheap flights to Sharm el-Sheikh. The small airport handles millions of passengers each year and, although there are sometimes complaints about things such as luggage theft and congestion, it is one of Egypt's busiest airports and is fairly well equipped.

Location

Sharm el-Sheikh International Airport is located 11 miles (18km) northeast of Sharm el Sheikh centre, near Ras Nasrani.

Getting to the city

Regular and tourist taxis (which charge double the fare) are available; travellers can also arrange transfer by shuttle bus through their hotels or travel companies.

Time

GMT +2

Contacts

Tel: 069 362 3304.

see full airport guide

Cairo International Taxis: the taxi fares above are intended as a guideline only.